Voters say ‘yes’ to three Cornelius bonds

The three packages include: $11.15 million for road, intersections and sidewalk improvements; $5.25 million for parks and recreation; and $4 million for town center redevelopment.

The road, intersection and sidewalk bonds passed with 81.4 percent of voters checking yes. The money will be used to construct, widen and improve roads and intersections – many involving Catawba Avenue; install sidewalks, provide landscaping, streetscaping, lighting and drainage improvements; and improve safety, congestion, walkability and biking.

The parks and recreation bonds passed with 72 percent of favorable votes. The money will help improve and expand existing parks, greenways and recreational facilities as well as constructing new ones. Some potential projects include a Town Center Greenway, McDowell Creek Greenway and improvements to Smithville and Robbins parks.

The Town Center redevelopment bonds passed with 67.35 percent. The money will be used to redevelop the town center within a one-mile radius of the intersection of Catawba Avenue and Main Street, construct or obtain a community/art center and provide town center infrastructure and amenities related to the community/art center. Other potential projects include an outdoor water part, outdoor amphitheater and improvements to sidewalks, lighting, parking and landscaping.